So you're thinking of remodeling your kitchen. You've probably seen the startling statistics. According to DoItYourself.com, 30 percent of homeowners spend more than $15,000 in home improvement expenditures annually, and nearly a quarter shell out more than $30,000. But that doesn't necessarily have to be the case for you if you plan carefully, budget wisely, and stick with reputable contractors when you start the remodeling process.

Remodeling your kitchen can be one of the most rewarding home improvement projects you’ll ever complete. However, it’s never a good idea to jump into a kitchen remodeling project without proper planning and preparation. In fact, many homeowners are taken by surprise by how much work is involved in remodeling a kitchen. There’s more to it than just tearing out the outdated cabinets or countertops.

Before you put pencil to paper and start creating your design, it’s important to know how kitchen remodels impact your home’s resale value. A complete kitchen remodel is an important investment, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. The average national cost for a full kitchen remodel is $68,000. While that may seem like a hefty price tag, when done correctly it recovers about 59% of the initial project cost when the home is sold.

The key to planning for a successful remodel is ensuring that you have the right contractor, the right plan, and sufficient time for execution.

Make a Plan

Don’t underestimate the time needed to complete your kitchen remodel. As with all remodel projects, an accurate construction schedule is key. Planning and pricing the details of your project will ensure that you’ve accounted for all the costs. This should include plumbing and electrical services, materials, appliances, flooring, cabinet installation labor, appliance installers, and countertop installers. You should also consider spaces and shapes! Carefully breaking down each element of your plan can help you manage your budget and avoid unpleasant surprises. It can also help you stay on schedule.

Appliances

Evaluate your cooking needs and lifestyle! Buy the appliances that work best with your lifestyle, not the ones that make the best first impression. Once you’ve made informed decisions about which appliances to buy and where to place them, then you can focus on aesthetics and style.

Preserve Where Possible

Early in the planning stages of your remodel, review your blueprints and local building codes to determine if you can keep your existing footprint. If you can, you will save money by avoiding the cost of moving plumbing and electrical outlets, and not having to build additional rooms or knock down walls.

Many kitchens have had to be ripped out and remodeled because the owner tried to fix what wasn't broken. Learn the tricks of the trade for keeping the same footprint, and not getting stuck with costly decisions.

Kitchen Lighting

Whether you're expanding your existing kitchen, or remodeling an area or room to become your kitchen, changing the lighting can be one of the smartest and most cost-effective moves you can make. Lighting is a subtle and often overlooked detail of a home's design.

While ambient lighting softens shadows, task lighting is designed to direct attention to specific areas. For example, putting task lighting beneath the kitchen cabinets lets you see exactly what you’re doing while keeping your work surface uncluttered and with fewer shadows in the way.

Quality is Key

When you start planning a kitchen remodel, remember that functionality and durability should be top priorities. Resist low-quality, bargain materials. Instead, choose products that combine low maintenance with long warranty periods.

Kitchen Remodelling In a Nutshell

Kitchen remodeling is not an overnight project. It involves a series of decisions that determine the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen.

If you’re thinking about a kitchen remodel, planning is key. Start by deciding on your design, functionality, and best materials based on how the space will be used. Don’t rush into a kitchen remodeling project until you prepare for it. Make sure you have enough time to shop for new decoration items, adequate space for the kitchen construction process, and that your contractor has a good reputation. When hiring a contractor, be sure to get at least three general contractors in amounts that are appropriate for your needs. Check their references before starting any work with them to guarantee the quality of their work.

A beautiful, new kitchen is a great kitchen and remodeling can be a great way to invest. However, don't let the design side of things scare you. Sometimes with remodeling, you need to spend some money and sometimes you don't. One of the best things you can do to ensure your remodel will cost less is to hone in on design decisions that will guarantee a return on your investment.

Are you ready to get started? Read our ultimate kitchen renovation guide and try our kitchen design tool.